Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys. The past week or so i have been researching getting a chameleon. As of now, i have a Bearded Dragon, and a Ball Python. Before i really started searching for info on them, i really only new of three diffrent kinds, Veiled, Panther, and Jackson. I am interested in a one that gets a large variation of colors, and gets a decent size. From what i have been reading online, it seems as though a Veiled or Panther would be a good start. Now on to some questions i have ran into.

What are the diffrences in Veiled/Panther? From everything i have read, they are very much alike, from cage set up, to temperment, and color.

Anyone have an opinion on Senegal Chameleons? One of the local pet store owners has been telling me they are his favorite because of there usually docile temperment, but i really havent seen alot on them.

Fake vs Live plants?!? This one i have seen to be all over the place. Some people have told me to only use live plants/soil. Others have told me dont use live plants, as they will cause bug/eating problems in the end. Even others have told me to use fake in a small enclosure for a baby, then change to real when you get a bigger enclosure for adults. The only thing most people have seemed to agree upon is that an all screen or mostly screen cage is a very good idea.

Thanks for any help in advance guys. Alot of people have told me that these forums are probably the best on the net for info on chameleons.

good job on researching your purchace! there is a huge problem with people buying chams on impulse. as for veilds and panthers they are very similar. panthers get nicer colors, but cost a whole lot more. veileds are generally "meaner" than panthers but it varies on the individual. one of my veileds loves to crawl around on me and the other wont touch me. ive also seen the same in panthers. i cant give you any advice on sengals because ive never had one but im sure many others on this forum have. i personally like live plants because they keep the humidity uo. they are a little more work but i think make the cage look a little nicer plus veilds eat leaves and ive heard of panthers doing it to. post your final decison and any more questions as well.

I use mostly live plants with a couple of fake twisty vines and hanging. I started out with all fake but when I changed to real plants it made a bug difference in humidity. I have veiled and panther and I have to say the panther is my fav. Brighter colors and much more docile. My veileds are not mean just not as friendly.

Panthers are larger than veiled chameleons, and have a wider range of colors. If you look through the kingsnake gallery under chameleons, you'll get a better idea of what they look like. Look for the words Ambanja, Nosy Be, Ambilobe, Sambava, Tamatave. In regards to temperament, veilds seem to be more aggressive.

Cage setup and husbandry are pretty much the same. Panthers do enjoy temps a few degrees cooler than the veilds.

As far as Senegals, they are not as hardy as veilds, panthers and jacksons. It would be best to choose one of the above three species as a first timer.

Live plants are the way to go. Ficus trees, pothos and umbrella trees are all good candidates.

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Farrah & Vincent
Email: Screameleons@yahoo.com
Phone: (571) 437-0642
Website: http://www.Screameleons.com

I would go with a panther if you have enough money for one. They have a VERY wide range of colors from, BRIGHT red, blue, green, yellow, orange, sometimes even purple. Veileds only get shades of green, yellow, and orange.

As far as plants I use one real plant and lots of fake & dead vines, I tried ficus trees but they dont stand up well to all the water your chameleon will need. I prefer PATHOS! its an amazing plant!

You also get 2 thumbs up for researching before you buy! good luck with your purchase and let us know what you get.
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From Sunny Florida
Jovana's kids listed below
1.1 Ambanja Panther
1.1 Tamatave Panther
1.1 Ambilobe Panther

It is hard to compare the coloration of veileds and panthers as they are totally different. I happen to like veileds because of their casques and spiny "decorations". Remember, the veiled does not naturally have all the color morphs that panthers do. For a less wide ranging species their coloration is really varied. Veileds used to be as large as panthers, but so many have been inbred they seem smaller these days. I still think there are not many chams as impressive as a healthy adult male veiled...and they are impressive whether they are fired up or calm. Temperment is really individual, but panthers are more often reported to be more docile. Not friendly, just docile. Senegals may be docile, but whether is is because most of them are imports and suffering from stress and health problems (and don't have the energy to show their true natures) is hard to say. If you are a new keeper I would NOT recommend a Senegal. They usually arrive in poor shape and need repeated vet treatment for parasites and infections.

Here is the first set up attempt. Still trying to figure out how to get a basking light on top, with the UVB light, and the dripper. Had bark in for substrate, but i just cleaned it all out and put in paper towl. Keep in mind this is for a young veiled or panther, and once he gets big enough to get another cage, it will be all screen.

You could get a height-adjustable stand for the basking light and set it along side the cage so the lamp is near the top of one side. It doesn't need to be on top, in fact many chams prefer the light to be at a bit on an angle like early morning sun would be. That would solve your problem for this cage.

Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like a good idea, now i just need to find one.

You could probably make one our of a desk lamp with an adjustable arm or a work light stand. I have a telescoping lamp stand that I got at a herp supply years ago, but have no idea of the brand. It has a flat metal base that slipped under the terrarium, a vertical arm that could adjust in height and be locked with a screw knob, and a horizontal arm that extended over the top of the tank. You hung a lamp and its aluminum reflector from this arm. Might be worth asking herp supplies if they know of it.

Thanks again. Anything else with that cage that doesnt look good?

I have these desktop-clamp lamps. I'm a future owner also, about 2 more weeks. I'll post pics later tonight along with some other questions. This are perfect, they have clamps of course and the neck is very flexible and easily maneuvered. It keeps its shape perfectly also, which is most important. Only problem with my lamps is it only holds 60W, which may or may not be a problem for your needs, but if it is, I bet you can find something similar with higher wattage. I got these at Lowes for cheap. Hope this helps.
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-Bill

1.0.0 Albino California Kingsnake
0.1.0 Colombian Red Tail Boa
0.1.0 Leucistic Patternless Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Red Flame Crested Gecko
0.1.0 Orange Crested Gecko
0.0.1 Argentine Black and White Tegu

My Home Page

BoidsNTegus@insightbb.com

Here are the photos of the lights.

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-Bill

1.0.0 Albino California Kingsnake
0.1.0 Colombian Red Tail Boa
0.1.0 Leucistic Patternless Leopard Gecko
0.0.1 Red Flame Crested Gecko
0.1.0 Orange Crested Gecko
0.0.1 Argentine Black and White Tegu

My Home Page

BoidsNTegus@insightbb.com

Looks pretty good, I think i have a lowes around here somewhere. I'll go and check it out.